The day of Victoria's ball dawned cold and clear, with winter sunlight streaming through the frost-covered windows of Blackwood House. Felicity woke to find Adrian already awake, watching her with an expression of such tender devotion that it made her heart ache with love.
"Good morning, my warrior queen," he murmured, brushing a strand of dark hair from her face. "Ready to conquer the world tonight?"
"Ready to face it with you," Felicity corrected, nestling closer to his warmth. "That's all that matters."
They spent the morning in deliberate calm, refusing to let anxiety about the evening ahead spoil their precious time together. Adrian insisted on joining Felicity for breakfast in their private sitting room, feeding her bites of toast and making her laugh with outrageous stories from his bachelor days.
"You're trying to distract me," Felicity accused, though she was smiling.
"Is it working?" Adrian asked, stealing a kiss that tasted of honey and tea.
"Completely," she admitted, her fingers tangling in his hair as she deepened the kiss.
They were interrupted by Sarah, who appeared with little Emma in tow. The child had become utterly devoted to Felicity, and her presence always brought joy.
"My lady," Sarah said with an apologetic smile, "Emma insisted on bringing you something for good luck tonight."
Emma stepped forward shyly, holding out a small posy of dried flowers tied with ribbon. "Mama helped me make it," she whispered. "For you to be brave like a princess."
Felicity felt tears prick at her eyes as she accepted the sweet gift. "Thank you, Emma. I shall carry it with me tonight and think of you."
After Sarah and Emma departed, Adrian pulled Felicity back into his arms. "You see? You've already won the hearts that matter. Whatever Victoria does tonight, she can't take away what you've built here—genuine affection, real respect, true friendship."
The afternoon passed too quickly. Madame Laurent arrived with the gown that had been created specifically for this evening—a masterpiece of deep ruby silk that seemed to glow like living flame. The bodice was embroidered with gold thread in patterns that caught the light with every movement, and the skirt fell in elegant folds that whispered secrets with each step.
"You look like a queen," Annie breathed as she helped Felicity into the elaborate creation. "No, better than a queen—you look like someone who's earned her crown rather than just been born to it."
The Blackwood rubies—a magnificent set that had belonged to Adrian's mother—completed the ensemble. The necklace alone was worth a small fortune, but it was the meaning behind Adrian's insistence that she wear them that touched Felicity most deeply.
"My mother would have loved you," he had said when presenting them. "She would have seen what I see—strength, compassion, and a heart brave enough to love completely despite the risks."
As evening approached, Felicity stood before the full-length mirror in her dressing room, hardly recognizing the elegant woman reflected there. Gone was any trace of the frightened servant from Ashworth Manor. In her place stood a countess who had earned her position through courage, intelligence, and genuine worth.
"Ready?" Adrian appeared in the doorway, resplendent in black evening wear that emphasized his aristocratic bearing and devastating good looks. His gray eyes darkened with admiration as he took in her appearance.
"You're breathtaking," he said hoarsely, crossing the room to take her hands. "Absolutely breathtaking."
"So are you," Felicity replied honestly. "We make quite a pair, don't we?"
"The most magnificent pair in London," Adrian agreed, raising her hands to his lips. "And tonight, we're going to prove it to everyone who's ever doubted us."
The carriage ride to Ashford House seemed both endless and far too short. Adrian held Felicity's hand throughout, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her palm as they watched the London streets pass by.
"Whatever happens tonight," he said quietly, "remember that I love you. Remember that we're partners in every sense. And remember that no accusation, no scheme, no malicious plot can change the fundamental truth of what we are to each other."
"I love you too," Felicity whispered. "More than words can express."
As their carriage joined the long line of elegant vehicles approaching Ashford House, Felicity could see that Victoria had spared no expense. The mansion blazed with light from every window, and music from a full orchestra drifted out into the cold night air. Liveried footmen lined the entrance, and the arriving guests were dressed in their absolute finest.
"She wants this to be memorable," Adrian observed grimly. "Which means whatever she has planned will be spectacular and public."
"Then we'll make our own spectacle," Felicity said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "We'll show her what real love and partnership look like."
They descended from their carriage, and Felicity felt every eye turn toward them. The ruby gown caught the light from thousands of candles, making her seem to glow like a living flame. Adrian's hand at her waist was possessive and proud, making it clear to everyone watching that he cherished his wife completely.
"Lord and Lady Blackwood," the butler announced as they entered the grand ballroom.
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Conversations paused mid-sentence as the assembled guests turned to stare. Felicity kept her spine straight and her expression serene, channeling every lesson in poise and dignity she had learned over the past months.
Victoria stood at the center of the ballroom, resplendent in white silk that made her look like an angel—or perhaps a vengeful ghost. Her smile was brilliant and cold as she watched the Blackwoods' entrance.
"Lord and Lady Blackwood!" she called out, her voice carrying clearly across the suddenly quiet room. "How wonderful that you could join us. We have such an... interesting evening planned."
Princess Sophia was already present, Felicity noted with relief, positioned prominently near the orchestra with several other members of the royal household. The Princess caught Felicity's eye and offered a nearly imperceptible nod of support.
The Duchess of Marlborough and her allies were also strategically positioned throughout the room, ready to offer support when needed. Even Sir William Hartley, the distinguished barrister, was present—a subtle reminder that legal minds were watching whatever drama was about to unfold.
"Lady Victoria," Adrian said with perfect courtesy that somehow managed to convey absolute disdain. "What a lovely party. You've gone to considerable trouble."
"Oh, this is just the beginning," Victoria purred. "The real entertainment comes later. But please, enjoy the dancing and refreshments first. We wouldn't want to rush to the main event."
As they moved deeper into the ballroom, Felicity was aware of the whispers following them like a wave. Some were clearly admiring—the Blackwoods made a striking couple, and their obvious devotion to each other was impossible to miss. But others were speculative, eager for scandal and drama.
"She's making us wait," Felicity murmured to Adrian as they accepted champagne from a passing footman. "Building anticipation."
"Let her," Adrian replied. "Every moment she delays gives more people the chance to see how united we are, how obviously in love. That makes whatever accusations she levels more difficult to believe."
They moved through the crowd, greeting allies and enduring curious stares with equal grace. Lady Jersey appeared at their side, her fan fluttering with barely contained excitement.
"My dears, the entire room is buzzing with speculation about what Victoria has planned," she whispered urgently. "But I must tell you—your entrance was perfection. You look like royalty, and everyone can see the love between you. It's beautiful."
The orchestra struck up a waltz, and Adrian turned to Felicity with a formal bow. "Lady Blackwood, would you honor me with this dance?"
As he swept her onto the dance floor, Felicity felt the familiar magic of moving in perfect harmony with her husband. They had danced together so many times now that their bodies moved as one, anticipating each turn, each step, each graceful motion.
"You're magnificent," Adrian murmured as they spun through the waltz. "Everyone is watching us, and all they can see is how much I love you."
"That's because it's true," Felicity replied, her eyes locked on his. "Your love is written in every look, every touch, every moment we share."
"As is yours," Adrian said softly. "And that, my darling wife, is our greatest weapon against whatever Victoria has planned. Love that's genuine and obvious is far more powerful than any scheme born of jealousy."
The waltz ended to enthusiastic applause, and the Blackwoods returned to the edge of the ballroom where their allies had gathered protectively around them.
It was then that Victoria made her move.
She appeared at the center of the ballroom, climbing onto a small raised platform that had clearly been prepared for this moment. A servant handed her a crystal glass, which she tapped delicately to call for attention.
"Distinguished guests," Victoria announced, her voice carrying clearly through the now-silent ballroom. "Thank you all for joining me this evening. I know many of you have been curious about the reason for this particular gathering, and I promise you won't be disappointed."
Felicity felt Adrian's hand find hers, squeezing gently as they prepared to face whatever came next.
"We are gathered here tonight," Victoria continued, her smile sharp as broken glass, "to witness something unprecedented in London society. The revelation of a deception so elaborate, so carefully constructed, that it has fooled even our most discerning members."
She paused for dramatic effect, her eyes finding Felicity across the crowded room. "I speak, of course, of the fraudulent marriage between Lord Adrian Blackwood and the woman calling herself Lady Blackwood."
Gasps rippled through the assembled guests. Princess Sophia's expression remained carefully neutral, though her eyes had sharpened with interest. The Duchess of Marlborough moved closer to Felicity and Adrian, showing her support through proximity.
"These are serious accusations, Lady Victoria," Sir William Hartley's voice rang out clearly. "I trust you have substantial proof before making such claims publicly?"
"I have more than proof, Sir William," Victoria said with obvious satisfaction. "I have witnesses, documentation, and most importantly—the truth."
She gestured dramatically toward the entrance, where Thomas Ashworth appeared, accompanied by Dr. Edmund Whitmore and another man Felicity didn't recognize.
"These gentlemen," Victoria announced, "will testify to the elaborate deception perpetrated by Lord Blackwood and his so-called bride. A deception that involves not only marriage fraud but also more serious crimes—including conspiracy, blackmail, and deliberately spreading false information about Lord Blackwood's medical condition."
Adrian's hand tightened on Felicity's, but his voice was steady when he spoke. "And what exactly do you claim these men will prove, Lady Victoria?"
"That your marriage is a sham," Victoria said triumphantly. "That Lady Felicity deliberately impersonated her sister to trap you into a marriage you never intended. That you, Lord Blackwood, fabricated injuries and spread false rumors about your condition to further some elaborate revenge plot. And that together, you've been deceiving London society for months."
The room erupted in shocked whispers and exclamations. This was even more dramatic than the gossips had anticipated—accusations of fraud, deception, and conspiracy that could destroy reputations forever.
Felicity felt her heart pounding, but she kept her expression calm as she looked around the ballroom. Their allies were positioned strategically, ready to defend them. Princess Sophia was watching with keen interest but no visible judgment. And Adrian stood beside her, solid and unwavering in his support.
"These are extremely serious accusations," Princess Sophia's voice cut through the chaos with royal authority. "Lady Victoria, we trust you are prepared to substantiate these claims with actual evidence? False accusations of this nature could have severe consequences for the accuser."
Victoria's confidence faltered slightly at the implied threat, but she rallied quickly. "I have all the evidence necessary, Your Royal Highness. If Lord and Lady Blackwood would care to respond to these charges?"
All eyes turned to the Blackwoods, waiting to see how they would respond to such public accusations. The moment of truth had arrived, and whatever happened next would determine their future in London society.
Adrian stepped forward, drawing Felicity with him so they faced the room together—united, unshaken, and ready to defend their love against whatever Victoria had prepared.
"We would be delighted to respond," Adrian said, his voice carrying clearly through the silent ballroom. "Though I suspect Lady Victoria won't like what we have to say."